Native Instruments BLOCKS Owner's manual

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a

commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this docu-

ment is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this

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Document authored by: Jan Ola Korte

Software version: 1.3 (05/2017)

Disclaimer

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Contact

Table of Contents

1 Welcome to REAKTOR Blocks .....................................................................................

8

1.1 About the Blocks Documentation ................................................................................................ 10

1.1.1 Info Hints ................................................................................................................... 11

1.1.2 Blocks Framework Manual ......................................................................................... 12

1.1.3 Document Conventions .............................................................................................. 13

1.2 Where to Start? ........................................................................................................................... 14

1.3 Further Reading .......................................................................................................................... 16

2 Basic Workflow .........................................................................................................

17

2.1 Play Mode vs. Edit Mode ............................................................................................................. 18

2.2 Navigating between Panel and Structure ................................................................................... 18

2.3 Saving Patches and Parameter Settings .................................................................................... 20

2.3.1 Saving and Loading Ensembles in the Stand-Alone Application ................................ 20

2.3.2 Saving and Loading Ensembles in the Plug-in .......................................................... 21

2.3.3 Storing and Recalling Snapshots .............................................................................. 22

2.4 Adding Blocks to a Patch ............................................................................................................ 25

2.5 Organizing and Arranging Blocks ............................................................................................... 26

3 Patching in Blocks ....................................................................................................

29

3.1 Making Connections ................................................................................................................... 30

3.2 Panel Controls ............................................................................................................................ 31

3.3 Modulation Routing .................................................................................................................... 33

4 Connections and Signals ...........................................................................................

36

4.1 General Inputs and Outputs ....................................................................................................... 39

4.2 Modulation ................................................................................................................................. 41

4.3 Pitch ........................................................................................................................................... 42

4.4 Gate ............................................................................................................................................ 43

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REAKTOR BLOCKS - Manual - 4

4.5 Reset .......................................................................................................................................... 45

4.6 Play ............................................................................................................................................ 46

4.7 Sync ............................................................................................................................................ 47

4.8 Pluck .......................................................................................................................................... 48

5 Blocks Reference ......................................................................................................

49

5.1 Bento Box ................................................................................................................................... 49

5.1.1 VCA (AMP) ................................................................................................................. 49

5.1.2 SVF (FLT) ................................................................................................................... 52

5.1.3 Mix (MIX) ................................................................................................................... 55

5.1.4 XFade (MIX) ............................................................................................................... 57

5.1.5 ADSR Envelope (MOD) ................................................................................................ 59

5.1.6 LFO (MOD) ................................................................................................................. 61

5.1.7 Oscillator (OSC) ......................................................................................................... 63

5.1.8 CV Processor (PRO) .................................................................................................... 66

5.1.9 Sample & Hold (PRO) ................................................................................................. 69

5.1.10 4 Mods (SEQ) ............................................................................................................. 72

5.1.11 8 Steps (SEQ) ............................................................................................................ 75

5.2 Boutique ..................................................................................................................................... 79

5.2.1 Dual SKF (FLT) ........................................................................................................... 79

5.2.2 Multiwave OSC (OSC) ................................................................................................ 80

5.2.3 OSC 5 (OSC) .............................................................................................................. 81

5.3 Digilog ........................................................................................................................................ 82

5.3.1 Quantizer (PRO) ......................................................................................................... 82

5.3.2 Clock Divider (PRO) ................................................................................................... 83

5.4 DRIVER ....................................................................................................................................... 84

5.4.1 DRIVER (EFX) ............................................................................................................. 84

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REAKTOR BLOCKS - Manual - 5

5.5 Kodiak ........................................................................................................................................ 85

5.5.1 Curve Sequencer ........................................................................................................ 85

5.5.2 Duality Osc ................................................................................................................ 87

5.5.3 Flip Gen ..................................................................................................................... 89

5.5.4 Morph Filter ............................................................................................................... 90

5.5.5 Shift Sequencer ......................................................................................................... 92

5.6 Modern ....................................................................................................................................... 94

5.6.1 Paul Filter (FLT) ......................................................................................................... 94

5.6.2 Comb Filter (FLT) ....................................................................................................... 96

5.7 MONARK ..................................................................................................................................... 97

5.7.1 MONARK Filter (FLT) ................................................................................................... 97

5.7.2 MONARK ADS ENV (MOD) ........................................................................................... 98

5.7.3 MONARK Oscillator (OSC) .......................................................................................... 99

5.8 ROUNDS ...................................................................................................................................... 100

5.8.1 ROUNDS Delay (EFX) .................................................................................................. 100

5.8.2 ROUNDS Reverb (EFX) ................................................................................................ 101

5.8.3 ROUNDS LFO (MOD) ................................................................................................... 102

5.9 Util ............................................................................................................................................. 103

5.9.1 Scope (AUX) ............................................................................................................... 103

5.9.2 Clock (INT) ................................................................................................................. 104

5.9.3 Gates & Trigs (INT) .................................................................................................... 105

5.9.4 Macro Knobs (INT) ..................................................................................................... 107

5.9.5 Macro Switches (INT) ................................................................................................. 108

5.9.6 MIDI Out (INT) ............................................................................................................ 109

5.9.7 Note In (INT) .............................................................................................................. 111

5.9.8 Pitch CV Out (INT) ...................................................................................................... 112

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REAKTOR BLOCKS - Manual - 6

5.9.9 Trig In (INT) ............................................................................................................... 120

5.9.10 CV Mix (MIX) .............................................................................................................. 121

5.9.11 Level Mono (MIX) ....................................................................................................... 122

5.9.12 Level Stereo (MIX) ...................................................................................................... 123

5.9.13 Mix 4 (MIX) ................................................................................................................ 124

5.10 West Coast ................................................................................................................................. 125

5.10.1 LPG (FLT) ................................................................................................................... 125

5.10.2 CFG (MOD) ................................................................................................................. 126

5.10.3 DWG (OSC) ................................................................................................................. 127

5.10.4 XYS (SEQ) .................................................................................................................. 128

Table of Contents

REAKTOR BLOCKS - Manual - 7

1 Welcome to REAKTOR Blocks

REAKTOR Blocks brings the experience of patching an analog modular synthesizer to REAK-

TOR 6, adding unique features only possible in software. As a self-contained system, it is com-

posed of common building blocks found in contemporary modular synthesizers.

Unlike a regular synthesizer with a fixed architecture, a modular synthesizer does not predefine

a specific arrangement for these building blocks. You can freely arrange and connect them to

facilitate a wide range of different synthesis methods, or find completely new ways of generat-

ing sound.

Blocks patches can be created without prior building experience in REAKTOR. Universal con-

nectivity between all Blocks allows for any connection to be made, with predictable results.

Many features commonly associated with analog modular synthesizers, like feedback connec-

tions and audio rate modulation, have been thoroughly implemented to not only function cor-

rectly across all modules, but also sound great.

REAKTOR Blocks are based on a sophisticated framework that provides the infrastructure

needed to bring together the user interface, the unified connection scheme, and the underlying

signal processing. To support builders who want to contribute new Blocks to the format, an

elaborate building template has been created and uploaded to the REAKTOR User Library on

our website. Download it here.

Patching, Building, and Sharing

By combining an intuitive user interface with straight-forward patching, immaculate DSP algo-

rithms and a powerful framework, REAKTOR Blocks benefits musicians and builders alike:

• The unified connection scheme allows sound designers and musicians without building

experience to dive into the Structure and create their own instruments and effects.

• REAKTOR Primary builders can make a smooth transition to Core by modifying the under-

lying Core Cells or using buildings blocks from the Core Macro Library.

• REAKTOR Core builders can use the framework and Panel templates to create new Blocks

by integrating their own custom Core Cells.

Welcome to REAKTOR Blocks

REAKTOR BLOCKS - Manual - 8

REAKTOR is fortunate to be supported by a large community of experienced users who actively

share their creations in the REAKTOR User Library on our website —a great source of inspira-

tion, both musically and technologically. We invite you to join this vibrant community and are

looking forward to seeing and hearing your patches and Blocks!

A REAKTOR Blocks patch

Welcome to REAKTOR Blocks

REAKTOR BLOCKS - Manual - 9

1.1 About the Blocks Documentation

This manual gives an overview over the basic workflows in Blocks (see section ↑2, Basic Work-

flow) and gets you started with patching (see section ↑3, Patching in Blocks). You will also find

a detailed description of the unified connection scheme in Blocks (see section ↑4, Connections

and Signals). Finally, all Blocks are described in detail, allowing you to make yourself familiar

with their general functionality as well as their controls, inputs, and outputs (see section ↑5,

Blocks Reference).

While most of the instructions in this manual do not require prior knowledge about REAKTOR,

it is recommended to read the REAKTOR 6 documentation to get a better understanding of the

underlying concepts and features.

►

To access the REAKTOR 6 documentation, open the Help menu in the REAKTOR menu

bar:

Welcome to REAKTOR Blocks

About the Blocks Documentation

REAKTOR BLOCKS - Manual - 10

1.1.1 Info Hints

Blocks features comprehensive information about the Blocks as well as their controls, inputs,

and outputs in the REAKTOR application. You can view this information in the form of tooltips

(called Info Hints in REAKTOR).

►

To show the Info Hints in REAKTOR, enable the Show Info Hints option in the Toolbar.

Info Hints are available for each entire Block, the individual controls, as well as the inputs and

outputs.

►

To view the Info Hint for a Block, place the mouse over its header:

►

To view the Info Hint for a parameter, place the mouse over its Panel control:

►

To view the Info Hint for an input or output, place the mouse over the port in the Struc-

ture.

Welcome to REAKTOR Blocks

About the Blocks Documentation

REAKTOR BLOCKS - Manual - 11

1.1.2 Blocks Framework Manual

In every Block, a sophisticated framework provides the infrastructure needed to bring together

the user interface, the unified connection scheme, and the underlying signal processing.

To support builders who want to contribute new Blocks to the format, an elaborate building

template has been created and uploaded to the REAKTOR User Library on our website. Down-

load it here.

The template includes all components needed to create fully compatible Blocks based on your

own designs. It features a comprehensive manual that explains all the specifics of the frame-

work, allowing for a smooth transition into building your own Blocks.

The Blocks Template in REAKTOR

Welcome to REAKTOR Blocks

About the Blocks Documentation

REAKTOR BLOCKS - Manual - 12

1.1.3 Document Conventions

This section introduces you to the signage and text highlighting used in this manual.

• Text appearing in (drop-down) menus (such as Open…, Save as… etc.) and paths to loca-

tions on your hard disk or other storage devices is printed in italics.

• Text appearing elsewhere (labels of buttons, controls, text next to checkboxes etc.) is

printed in blue. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the same text ap-

pearing somewhere on the screen.

• Important names and concepts are printed in bold.

• References to keys on your computer’s keyboard you’ll find put in square brackets (e.g.,

“Press [Shift] + [Enter]”).

►

Single instructions are introduced by this play button type arrow.

→

Results of actions are introduced by this smaller arrow.

Furthermore, this manual uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you

of potential issues. The icons introducing these notes let you see what kind of information is to

be expected:

The speech bubble icon indicates a useful tip that may often help you to solve a task

more efficiently.

The exclamation mark icon highlights important information that is essential for the giv-

en context.

The red cross icon warns you of serious issues and potential risks that require your full

attention.

Welcome to REAKTOR Blocks

About the Blocks Documentation

REAKTOR BLOCKS - Manual - 13

1.2 Where to Start?

Blocks in the REAKTOR 6 Library

Blocks is part of the REAKTOR Library, which can be found in the Browser tab of the Side

Pane. The available Blocks are organized in folders, grouping them into different lines:

• Bento Box: Core components of a modular synthesizer, enhanced with special features.

• Boutique: Boutique Blocks are inspired by great synthesizers of the past.

• Digilog: Sequencing tools for note processing, complex rhythms, and musical structures.

• Driver, Monark, Rounds: Components from well-known NI products, available in Blocks.

• Kodiak: Forward-thinking Blocks based on advanced software concepts.

• Modern: State-of-the-art Blocks with a contemporary twist.

• Util: Utilities that provide the infrastructure for your patches.

• West Coast: West Coast Blocks are inspired by the Buchla tradition of synthesizers.

Welcome to REAKTOR Blocks

Where to Start?

REAKTOR BLOCKS - Manual - 14

The ‘New’ Ensemble

Ensembles are the basic project files in REAKTOR that hold all relevant information of a ses-

sion. Blocks patches are based on a dedicated ‘New’ Ensemble, containing a few basic mod-

ules that are often used to support patches in terms of note input, clocking, and audio output.

More importantly, this Ensemble includes optimizations for the automation handling and the

Panel view that are required for Blocks.

►

To open the ‘New’ Ensemble, select the Reaktor Blocks folder in the Library and double-

click on the Blocks New.ens Ensemble in the lower section of the Browser (alternatively,

you can click and drag it into REAKTOR’s main area).

→

A new Ensemble opens, specifically set up for hosting Blocks patches.

REAKTOR Blocks comes with a selection of pre-built patches (REAKTOR Ensembles)

and many presets (REAKTOR Snapshots) that are ready to be used in your music and

sound design projects. These Ensembles can be directly accessed from the MASCHINE

or KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser, or you can load them from the Reaktor Blocks folder

in the Player tab of the REAKTOR Browser (see section ↑3, Patching in Blocks).

Welcome to REAKTOR Blocks

Where to Start?

REAKTOR BLOCKS - Manual - 15

1.3 Further Reading

If you are new to modular synthesis, or want to expand your knowledge about patching techni-

ques and the technology involved, the following online resources can be of great help.

The websites linked below are owned and operated by third parties. The links are provid-

ed for your information and convenience only. Native Instruments has no control over

the contents of any of the linked websites and is not responsible for these websites or

their content or availability.

• Sound On Sound Synthesizer Secrets: This extensive collection of excellent articles by

Gordon Reid covers many different synthesis techniques, explaining how they can be used

to create classic synthesizer sounds or mimic acoustical instruments.

• Rob Hordijk’s Synthesis Workshops: Rob Hordijk’s Synthesis Workshops are among the

best reads on sound synthesis available online. The articles and tutorials are very well

structured and cover synthesizer theory, history, and practice in great detail.

• Basics of Sounds Synthesis: Another helpful resource from Rob Hordijk, covering some of

the more basic topics from his Synthesis Workshops in a concise manner. This is espe-

cially useful as an introductory document for beginners.

• Advanced Programming Techniques for Modular Synthesizers: This online book by James

J. Clark explains many different advanced synthesis methods and how they can be patch-

ed up with a modular synthesizer.

• Muffwiggler Forum: Renowned not only for its odd name, the largest online community for

modular synthesis is undoubtedly the central hub of the scene, and a useful source of in-

formation. It is highly recommended to use the search engine, which is very well-featured.

Welcome to REAKTOR Blocks

Native Instruments BLOCKS Owner's manual

Native Instruments BLOCKS Owner's manual

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